General English Courses
Learn English in Bangkok with courses for adults and teenagers designed to enhance all your language skills
GENERAL ENGLISH
Improve your English quickly and effectively
Accelerate your progress with an English language course focused on effective communication. Whether you are learning English for pleasure or a more serious ambition, you will gain the skills and confidence to interact with the world and navigate diverse social situations.
Learn English for life
Our General English courses are designed to help you improve all your English skills and become confident in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
We aim to create a practical and immersive environment where you can focus on achieving authentic and effective communication in all real-life situations.
You will be exposed to everyday aspects of the language and have plenty of opportunities to put your English skills into practice through meaningful interactions with your teachers and classmates.
- Improve speaking, listening, reading and writing
- Maximum 12 students per class
- Qualified teachers from the UK, USA, Australia, etc.
- Coursebooks and study materials included
- Regular progress reports
- Certificate of Attendance
- Student visa support
You will also join an international community, practise your English with people from all over the world and learn about different customs and cultures.
This is the ideal English language programme if you need to increase your general ability to use English in personal, professional or educational contexts. Our objective is to meet your specific goals, needs and preferences, ensuring that you receive a personalised and effective learning experience.
SCHOOL
Much more than a language school
International House is in the heart of the main Sukhumvit area in a modern office building with easy access to public transport, shopping malls, street markets, bars and restaurants.
We have been in Bangkok since 1999 and we’re part of the International House World Organisation with more than 140 schools in 45 countries.
- Central and convenient location
- Easy walk to the Skytrain and Metro systems
- Modern facilities with fully-equipped classroom
- Recreational areas for relaxing and socialising
We’re an approved Cambridge Assessment centre and we specialise in English language courses, Exam Preparation classes and Teacher Training programmes.
WHY INTERNATIONAL HOUSE?
Teaching English to the world since 1953
Our story in English language teaching started in 1953 when the first International House school was established in Cordoba, Spain. The success of the educational approach and the quality of teaching quickly spread and new language schools were gradually opened in Europe and the rest of the world. Since then, thousands of students have chosen us for their English language learning and development. Today, with over 140 affiliated schools in 45 countries spanning every continent, we are still one of the organisations that set the standards in English language teaching and learning.
COURSES & FEES
English courses for adults and teenagers
Choose an English language course that best suits your time and pace. Study 15 hours a week on a semi-intensive basis or 25 hours a week on our intensive programmes. In small group classes of maximum 12 students or a combination of group and private 1:1 lessons.
GE 15
Start any Monday
- General English
- Group lessons
- 15 hours a week
- Monday to Friday
- 3 hours a day
- 09.00 - 12.15
- A1 to B2 level
Number of weeks
GE 25
Start any Monday
- General English
- Group lessons
- 25 hours a week
- Monday to Friday
- 5 hours a day
-
09.00 - 12.15
13.15 - 15.15 - A1 to B2 level
Number of weeks
MIX 25 – GE
Start any Monday
-
General English (group) &
General English (private) -
Group lessons &
Private lessons 1:1 - 25 hours a week
- Monday to Friday
-
3 hours a day (group)
2 hours a day (private) -
09.00 - 12.15
13.15 - 15.15 - A1 to B2 level
Number of weeks
MIX 25 – ESP
Start any Monday
-
General English (group) &
IELTS, Cambridge Exams or Business/TOEIC (private) -
Group lessons &
Private lessons 1:1 - 25 hours a week
- Monday to Friday
-
3 hours a day (group)
2 hours a day (private) -
09.00 - 12.15
13.15 - 15.15 - A1 to B2 level
Number of weeks
*Timings reflect Thailand time (UTC +7), and prices are in Thai Baht. Prices do not include a 3,000-Baht registration fee.
ACCOMMODATION & VISA
Do you need accommodation? Do you need a student visa?
If you need a place to stay while taking your course, we can take care of it so that you can fully focus on your course. With modern and affordable accommodation solutions close to the school, we have options to match your preferences and budget. If you intend to study for more than 3 months, we can also help you with the application for a student/educational visa.
CONTENTS
What will I learn in a General English course?
General English programmes are designed to offer comprehensive instruction on speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will improve your fluency and accuracy in a supportive learning environment and increase your confidence in dealing with everyday real-world situations.
General English courses help you improve your overall language proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We focus on skills development and the ability to use language fluently for effective communication. We also promote the use of appropriate grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation so that you can communicate accurately and confidently with people from different countries.
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Students per class: 12 maximum
Levels: Elementary to Advanced
Age: from 16 years+
Starting dates: every Monday (subject to demand and availability)
Course duration: any number of weeks
Intensity: 15 or 25 hours a week
Placement test: free oral and written placement test at the school or online.
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Topics
Lesson topics revolve around everyday situations that you may encounter in personal, professional and educational settings while working, studying, socialising, travelling or anything else you may need in real life.
Students
Students come from all over the world, and you will experience a truly international environment where you will not only be able to practise English with people from different countries but also learn about their diverse customs and cultures.
Teachers
Our teachers are highly qualified Cambridge CELTA or DELTA graduates from English speaking countries like the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, etc. They aim to create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where learning is a pleasant experience, and you feel comfortable expressing yourself.
Awards
Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance from International House Bangkok stating the focus and duration of your course, and the highest level achieved.
Our approach to second language learning and teaching emphasizes communication and meaningful interaction as the main goals of instruction, with a focus on developing learners’ ability to use language for real-life purposes.
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Communication: learning a language requires language use and not only language study. Communication should be the goal of language instruction.
Interaction: authentic and meaningful communication can only be achieved through interaction. Pair and group work should be prioritized in classroom activities.
Context: learners should be made aware of how to use language accurately and fluently, but also in a way that conforms to social and contextual norms.
Integration: competent language users are able to use all the language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Instruction on these skills should be integrated from the beginning.
Errors: language learning is a process of creative construction and involves trial and error. Errors should be viewed as stepping stones for development.
Materials: classroom materials and activities should reflect real-life situations and tasks, with a focus on social functions as well as linguistic structures.
Teachers: teachers should be viewed as facilitators and use their skills to manage interactions among learners while providing the necessary input and feedback.
Motivation: motivation plays a critical role in the successful acquisition of a foreign language. Classroom activities should reflect the interests and wants of the learners.
Personalisation: every learner is different and individual learning needs and preferences should be given priority when planning and delivering lesson.
GE 15 – General English 15 hours per week in a group
GE 15 is a semi-intensive programme that provides a comprehensive focus on all four language skills, including speaking, listening, reading and writing, along with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Classes are limited to a maximum of 12 students, ensuring personalised feedback and ample practice. The course emphasizes effective communication and practical activities which will enable you to use English in real-world situations confidently and accurately. GE 15 is the right course if you want to improve your English skills quickly and increase your overall mastery of the language.
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GE 25 – General English 25 hours per week in a group
GE 25 is an extension of GE 15, providing an additional 10 hours of instruction in a group class. It’s an intensive programme that allows for more practice and covers a range of topics that build on the morning classes, thus giving you a more in-depth learning experience. GE 25 is the best course if you wish to improve your English proficiency in the shortest possible time.
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MIX 25 – General English 15 hours per week in a group + 10 hours per week private lessons
MIX 25 is an intensive programme that allows you to combine GE 15 classes with additional 10 hours of private 1:1 lessons focusing on generic or specific topics of your choosing. You will benefit from the possibility of customising your private lessons with instruction and practice of general, business, academic or any other skill you wish to improve. MIX 25 is the ideal course if you want a more personalised learning experience built around your areas of interest and specific language goals.
Learning outcomes at each level are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and a more detailed description can be found in the next section. Here are a few examples of what you will learn and be able to do.
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A1 – Beginner/Elementary
You will learn how to introduce yourself and ask for someone’s name, nationality, age, and occupation. You will also learn how to ask for information, order food and drinks in a restaurant, go shopping, and write simple emails.
A2 – Pre-intermediate
You will learn how to describe your hobbies and interests, ask for directions, make appointments, and give simple opinions about movies or books. You will also learn how to write short emails or letters to friends or colleagues.
B1 – Intermediate
You will learn how to talk about your past experiences and future plans, express your opinions and preferences, make suggestions, and negotiate in simple situations. You will also learn how to write short essays, reports or letters on topics of personal or professional interest.
B2 – Upper-intermediate
You will learn how to discuss social and political issues, express your opinions in a debate, give presentations, and negotiate in complex situations. You will also learn how to write argumentative essays, reviews, or reports on a variety of topics.
C1 – Advanced
You will learn how to participate in professional discussions, give speeches, conduct interviews, and negotiate complex situations. You will also learn how to write papers, proposals, or reports on complex and abstract topics.
C2 – Upper-advanced
You will learn how to read and understand literature, write professional papers and reports, and speak fluently and spontaneously in any social or professional situation. You will also learn how to understand and use idiomatic expressions and language nuances with ease and precision.
LEVELS
Levels that match your abilities
Our levels are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages and all the major language proficiency exams so that you can track your progress and know exactly where you stand.
BEGINNER / ELEMENTARY
This is the right level for you if you have no prior knowledge or if you can understand and use basic expressions to discuss simple topics when other people speak slowly to you:
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– can understand and use basic vocabulary and expressions in familiar contexts (e.g. greeting someone, introducing oneself)
– can ask and answer simple questions about personal information and daily routines
– can write short messages or fill out basic forms
– can understand simple texts such as signs or short messages
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Equivalent to: Cambridge Key
PRE-INTERMEDIATE
This is the right level for you if you can communicate in a simple but clear way and describe familiar everyday topics using simple vocabulary:
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– can understand more complex vocabulary and grammar structures in common contexts (e.g. shopping, travel)
– can communicate in simple and routine situations using basic language skills
– can write simple messages, emails or letters on familiar topics
– can understand short texts on familiar topics
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Equivalent to: Cambridge Key / IELTS 3.5-4.0 / TOEFL IBT 32-42 / TEOIC 246-380
INTERMEDIATE
This is the right level for you if you can talk about experiences, events, opinions and plans in a clear way to describe most topics related to work, school and leisure:
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– can understand the main points of familiar topics related to work, school, or leisure
– can communicate effectively in most situations while traveling, working or studying
– can write clear and detailed texts on a variety of topics
– can understand longer and more complex texts
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Equivalent to: Cambridge Preliminary / IELTS 4.5-5.0 / TOEFL IBT 43-61 / TEOIC 381-540
UPPER-INTERMEDIATE
This is the right level for you if you can interact fluently with proficient speakers and deal with a wide range of topics and situations of a concrete and abstract nature:
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– can understand and express complex ideas and opinions on a wide range of topics
– can communicate fluently and spontaneously in most social, academic and professional situations
– can write well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics
– can understand and analyze longer and more abstract texts
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Equivalent to: Cambridge First / IELTS 5.5-6.0 / TOEFL IBT 62-91 / TEOIC 541-700
ADVANCED
This is the right level for you if you can understand and use complex language fluently and effectively in a wide range of social, academic and professional situations:
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– can understand and analyze complex and abstract texts on a wide range of topics
– can communicate effectively and precisely in a wide range of social, academic and professional contexts
– can write well-structured and detailed texts on complex and abstract topics
– can understand and interpret implicit meanings and nuances in spoken and written language
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Equivalent to: Cambridge Advanced / IELTS 6.5-7.5 / TOEFL IBT 92-112 / TEOIC 701-910
UPPER-ADVANCED
This is the right level for you if you can understand everything you hear and read and use language very fluently and precisely in all situations:
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– can understand and produce complex and nuanced language with ease and accuracy
– can communicate effectively and fluently in all situations, including those involving abstract or unfamiliar topics
– can write well-structured and sophisticated texts on a wide range of topics
– can understand and interpret subtle nuances and implicit meanings in spoken and written language
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Equivalent to: Cambridge Proficiency / IELTS 8.0-9.0 / TOEFL IBT 113-120 / TEOIC 911-990
TEACHERS
A talented, dynamic and passionate team
Meet the teachers that make our English language programmes stand out from the crowd. A team of highly qualified and enthusiastic teachers dedicated to motivating and supporting you throughout your learning journey.
GENERAL ENGLISH FAQs
All your questions answered
Group lessons
There are a maximum of 12 students in a class. We believe in keeping classes as small as possible so that you can have more opportunities to practise and interact, and more personal attention.
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Private lessons
Private lessons can be on a 1:1 individual basis (1 teacher with 1 learner) or in small private groups on a 1:2 (1 teacher with 2 learners), 1:3, 1:4, etc. basis. Learners applying for private groups must be from the same group of friends, colleagues, etc. and be at the same level of language proficiency.
Students come from all over the world with a majority from Asia and Europe. But we also have plenty of students from Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Our aim is to create a balanced mix of nationalities in each class and allow you to practise English, learn about different cultures and become more confident in a globalised world.
Group lessons
Before your course, we will assess your level of English via a placement test. This is to ensure that you join a class that matches your language abilities and where you can maximise your opportunities for learning. We also take into consideration age and nationality to ensure classes are balanced and aligned with everyone’s needs.
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Private lessons
Before your course, we will carry out a needs analysis to assess your level of proficiency (via a placement test) and understand your specific needs and goals. As lessons are custom-made, you will let us know what language skills and topics you prefer to focus on.
Of course! Some of our courses are delivered 100% online to allow you to join from anywhere in the world. Please visit our Online English page to find out more.
Certainly! We have a rich after-class social programme with visits to places of interest, excursions, nights out and day trips. We want you to experience English in and out of the classroom and create opportunities to expand your learning and development. And, of course, ensure you bring back with you wonderful memories of your time with us!
Yes. Upon completion of your course, your will receive a Certificate of Attendance from International House Bangkok stating the focus and duration of your course, and the highest level achieved.
It depends on the duration of your course. A student/educational visa is only required if you study in Thailand for more than 3 months.
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SHORT COURSES (less than 3 months)
Most of our overseas students enrolled on short courses enter and leave Thailand on a tourist visa according to the duration they are granted on arrival (typically 30 days) or at the Thai embassy/consulate in their country (typically 30-60-90 days). Different countries have different immigration agreements with the Thai government, and we suggest checking with the Thai embassy/consulate in your country to find out whether you can be granted a tourist visa on arrival (and its duration) or you need to apply for it in advance. Some students, for example, decide to apply for a longer tourist visa (typically 60 days) in advance when they intend to study for longer periods or extend their stay after the course for travelling.
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LONG COURSES (more than 3 months)
Overseas students applying for courses longer than 3 months are required to apply for a student/educational visa. International House can help you with the application. Please visit our Student Visa page to find out eligibility, requirements and the application process.
Yes. If you need accommodation while taking a course at International House, we can help you find a place where you can feel comfortable and focus on your studies. With modern and affordable accommodation solutions close to the school, we have options to match your preferences and budget. Please visit our Living in Bangkok page for more information.
It's very simple! Choose your preferred course and send your application through our website. No payment is required at this stage. After we receive it, we will review your application and get in touch with you with more information on how to complete the enrolment.
Payments can be made in cash at our school, by bank transfer or online by debit/credit card. Please visit our Payments page for more information.
Certainly. Please visit our Terms and Conditions page to view our cancellation and refund policies.
Simply because we are one of the oldest and most reputable organisations in the world. Our story in English language teaching started in 1953 when the first International House school was established in Cordoba, Spain. The success of the educational approach and the quality of teaching quickly spread and new language schools were gradually opened in Europe and the rest of the world. Since then, thousands of students have chosen us for their English language learning and development. Today, with over 140 affiliated schools in 45 countries spanning every continent, we are still one of the organisations that set the standards in English language teaching and learning.
GENERAL ENGLISH STUDENTS
Your experience matters
I highly recommend International House for its engaging lessons, awesome teachers and the opportunity to meet people from many different countries.
The course was well structured, and lessons were enjoyable. I saw a big improvement in my English and I feel so much more confident now.
I really enjoyed studying here. I felt welcome from the very first day and the staff was very helpful with my course and accommodation.
The lessons were very interactive, and I learnt by using English all the time. The teachers were supportive, and they always had time to answer my questions.
Let us help you find the right English language course
Contact us today to speak to a course advisor. We are here to help you find an English course that matches your goals.